Taste of Christmas: Small Flavors, Great Memories

Sabor a Natal- Pequenos sabores, grandes memórias - Gato Preto

Christmas tastes better with freshly baked cookies.

The warm scent of cinnamon, the spicy touch of ginger, and the shine of freshly applied icing… few things capture the magic of Christmas as well as a batch of homemade cookies. It’s that simple ritual that turns the house into a sweeter, cozier, and more festive place, perfect for sharing with family and friends or simply enjoying during quiet moments.

This year, at Gato Preto, we celebrate the season with small details that make all the difference: charming decorations, pieces that tell stories, and of course, recipes that warm the heart. Gingerbread cookies are a classic that never fails—delicious, aromatic, and perfect for decorating with kids, gifting, or even hanging on the tree, as shown in the pictures we share with you.

Set the mood, turn on the lights, play your favorite Christmas playlist… and let this cozy aroma fill the whole house.
Because Christmas is exactly this: simple moments full of meaning.

Now, let's get to work! ✨🍪

Recipe and cookies made by @sophiecookshealthy

 

Ginger and Spice Cookies

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

  • 115 g unsalted softened butter
  • 120 g brown sugar
  • 115 g cane molasses
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 280 g plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon oat milk

 

For the icing:

  • 3 egg whites
  • 450 g powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

 

Preparation Method:

Cookies:

In a bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until creamy. Then add the molasses, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

In another bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing after each addition. Add the oat milk and mix.

Form the dough into a ball, cover with cling film, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

To make the cookies, start by preheating the oven to 180ºC and lining the trays with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of 5-6 mm. Cut the cookies with Christmas cookie cutters of your choice!

Bake the cookies in the oven one tray at a time for about 7 to 8 minutes until the edges are firm but the center is still slightly soft. Let cool before decorating.

Icing:

Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form using a whisk or electric mixer. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, stirring constantly. Add vanilla extract and mix.

Pour the icing into a piping bag and decorate the cookies as you like!